Orihuela Town Hall is preparing to launch a new mobile office to bring municipal services directly to residents in the municipality’s rural districts, reducing the need for people to travel into the city centre for basic administrative procedures.
The project, announced by Mayor Pepe Vegara and Rural Development Councillor Víctor Valverde, will shortly go out to tender. It involves the purchase of a specially adapted van that will operate as a travelling municipal office, visiting different outlying districts on a planned weekly schedule.
Residents will be able to carry out common procedures such as requesting empadronamiento certificates, submitting documents to the municipal register, obtaining information and receiving guidance on administrative matters.
Valverde said the initiative responds to a real need, especially among older residents. He noted that around 35% of the population in Orihuela’s rural districts is over 60, and many people still face difficulties using online administration services.
The mobile office will potentially serve more than 11,700 residents across districts including Barbarroja, Torremendo, Hurchillo, La Matanza, Arneva, La Campaneta, Molins, Correntías, Mudamiento, Entrenaranjos, Virgen del Camino, Raiguero de Bonanza, El Escorratel and Media Legua/Camino Viejo de Callosa.
The vehicle will also be available in the afternoons for information campaigns, citizen participation initiatives and activities linked to municipal departments such as Urban Planning and Finance.
The project has a total budget of 99,000 euros, with 80% funded through European rural development funds managed by the Local Action Group of Southern Alicante. Orihuela Town Hall will contribute the remaining 19,800 euros.
The adapted vehicle will include a public service area, wheelchair lift, independent air conditioning, solar-powered electrical system, computer equipment and adapted furniture.
Officials estimate the service could prevent around 50,000 kilometres of annual travel by residents, helping reduce fuel use and emissions.
Mayor Vegara said the initiative fulfils a commitment to the districts and will bring the Town Hall “practically to residents’ doorsteps.”
